Nishikawa's "Dear Doctor" and Nakamura's "Golden Slumber" join Reel Asian line-up

by Chris MaGee

It was in mid-September that it was announced that Naoko Ogigami's "Toilet" and the works of Oscar-nominated animator Koji Yamamura were both going to be showcased at the 14th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. Definitely two things to be excited about, but the folks at Reel Asian haven't stopped there.

At a press conference this past Tuesday here in the city Reel Asian Executive Director Sonia Jog, Artistic Director Heather Keung and Operations manager Chris Chin announced what Reel Asian festival-goers can expect this year between November 9th to 15th... and there are two big treats for fans of Japanese film.

First up Reel Asian will be presenting the Toronto premiere of Yoshihiro Nakamura's thriller "Golden Slumber" (above). Masato Saki stars as a man who is framed for the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister and must go underground (sometimes literally) to evade the police and those who framed him in an attempt to clear his name. This is by far one of the best films I have seen all year (read our review here so don't miss the screening taking place Friday, November 12th at 10:00PM at The Royal Cinema.

Also Reel Asian will be presenting a screening of Miwa Nishikawa's multiple award-winning drama "Dear Doctor" (see trailer below). Based on an original novel by Nishikawa "Dear Doctor" follows the attempts of a group of townsfolk to discover who exactly their local doctor (portrayed by Tsurube Shôfukutei) really was after he mysteriously disappears. "Dear Doctor" won Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actor at this year's Kinema Junpo Awards and will be screened at Reel Asian on Sunday, November 14th at 2:00PM at the Innis Town Hall Theatre.

To take a look at all the great films that will be presented as part of this year's Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival as well as get ticket details head to its official website here.